AutoMotion Blog

2014 Porsche Cayman Gets 32 MPG, Goes 175 MPH

11/30/2012

As expected, the new 2014 Porsche Cayman is a fixed-roof, 2-seat, mid-engine sports car derived from the redesigned 2013 Porsche Boxster. The redesigned 2014 Cayman debuted at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.Longer, lower, lighter, faster, and more fuel efficient, it will be offered in a standard 275-horsepower Cayman model or a more powerful 325-horsepower Cayman S variant. Porsche says the new Cayman's longer wheelbase, wider track, and larger wheels collectively raise the car's driving performance "to a level without equal in its competitive class."

Constructed of lightweight aluminum and steel, the Cayman's direct-injection, 2.7-liter horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine (aka "flat-six") accelerates the Porsche to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Pack and the 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission, according to the automaker. The more powerful Cayman S, equipped with a direct-injected 3.4-liter flat-6, achieves 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the Sport Chrono Pack and the PDK, by Porsche's stopwatch.

The Sport Chrono Pack brings several upgrades to the performance party. In addition to a Sport Plus button and dynamic engine mounts, this package adds several transmission settings for models equipped with PDK, including a "race course" shift strategy.

Performance is just one aspect of the new Cayman. Porsche says this sports car will get up to 32 mpg on the highway when equipped with the PDK. Both models are equipped with an automatic stop/start system and, with the PDK, a "coasting" feature designed to help conserve fuel. With PDK, these features are disabled when the driver engages the Cayman's Sport button.

So why choose the standard 6-speed manual gearbox? Top speed. The standard Cayman will reach 165 mph with the manual, while the Cayman S will hit 175 mph if you row your own gears. But these figures represent nothing more than bragging rights: the PDK will do 164 mph and 174 mph, respectively.

Nevertheless, PDK is appealing for an additional reason. Porsche says, in regard to the PDK transmission, "In manual mode and with Porsche Stability Management (PSM) deactivated, controlled four-wheel drifts are possible on a closed course at the hands of a skilled driver."

Additional handling upgrades include a next-generation version of Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with Normal and Sport driving modes, new electric steering, and a Power Steering Plus option that reduces low-speed effort levels under 31 mph. The new Cayman's braking system is also redesigned, with the Cayman S employing the same front brake discs as the 911 Carrera. Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB), the latter feature equipped with 6-piston front calipers from the 911 Carrera, remain optional for the Cayman.

The 2014 Cayman's interior is new, and includes a larger rear trunk that can now accommodate up to 15 cubic feet of luggage. Features new to the Cayman include a 4.6-inch high-resolution screen in the gauge cluster, redesigned sport seats, optional adaptive cruise control (ACC) system with Porsche Active Safe (PAS) technology, optional Porsche Entry & Drive (passive entry with push-button ignition), and an optional Burmeister high-fidelity audio system developed specifically for this car.

The Cayman is upgraded to 18-inch wheels for 2014, while the Cayman S is equipped with larger 19-inch wheels. A variety of wheel selections in 18-, 19-, and 20-inch sizes is offered. Low-rolling-resistance performance tires are standard.

According to Porsche, the 2014 Cayman goes on sale in the spring of 2013 with a starting price of $52,600 for the Cayman and $63,800 for the Cayman S.